UNIS/OS/590
22 November 2023

UNOOSA and Japan open fellowship opportunity to study nano-satellite development

VIENNA, 22 November (UN Information Service) — The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA) and the Government of Japan in cooperation with the Kyushu Institute of Technology (Kyutech) are providing opportunities for students from developing countries to study nano-satellite development. Through the Post-graduate study on Nano-Satellite Technologies (PNST) Fellowship Programme, part of the Access to Space for All initiative, three slots in the Master Programme and three slots in the Doctoral Programme are made available. Tuition fees will be covered through the PNST programme and a stipend to cover living expenses will be offered as well. Students are invited to submit their applications by 5 January 2024 and follow in the footsteps of more than 60 graduates over the years.

The PNST programme contributes to expanding access to space through hands-on education in satellite development. With access to unique testing facilities and the rich nanosatellite development experience at Kyutech, students learn about the entire life cycle of satellite development and take part in practical activities.

The impact of the PNST programme is much greater than just the individual beneficiaries. Many graduates from the programme use the skills, knowledge, and network acquired through PNST to kick-start and support national space activities in their own countries. Nanosatellites are becoming more affordable to develop and are an entry point for non-spacefaring nations. Satellite applications and services coming from these satellites contribute significantly to socioeconomic development and can help countries achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

UNOOSA Director Aarti Holla-Maini said: “We are pleased to open another round of PNST to provide this hands-on extensive educational opportunity to students from developing nations. We are proud to see the achievements of the fellows to accelerate their national and regional space activities and look forward to welcoming more bright and young future leaders in space to join PNST and gain this invaluable experience.”

Mengu Cho, Professor of the Laboratory of Lean Satellite Enterprises and In-Orbit Experiments (LaSEINE) at Kyutech said: “We are very pleased to announce that the support from the Japanese government to the PNST programme has been extended for another three years and we are able to continue this cooperation with UNOOSA. For more than a decade, Kyutech has assisted young space programmes in developing nations by providing human resources through hands-on education. We look forward to working further with UNOOSA to promote the peaceful use of outer space by democratizing the use of space through nanosatellites.”

For more detailed information, go to: https://www.unoosa.org/oosa/en/ourwork/access2space4all/PNST/PNST_Rounds.html

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For more information, please contact:

Access to Space for All Initiative Team
United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
Email: unoosa-access-to-space[at]un.org